Hair fastener and method of manufacture thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention is concerned with a hair fastener. The hair fastener has an elastic band with opposite ends positioned adjacent each other thus in the form of a closed loop, a first coupler for fixedly connecting the opposite ends together, a layer of fabric enveloping the elastic band and said first coupler, and a second coupler for connecting the opposite ends. The second coupler encases region of the fabric layer enveloping the first coupler.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from earlier filed GB Patent Application No. 1501421.0 filed Jan. 28, 2015, contents in its entirety are incorporated herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is concerned with a hair fastener and in particular a type of hair fasteners in the form of an elastic loop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a variety of hair fasteners. One historical hair fasteners is in the form of an elastic band integrally formed into an elastic loop. However, this type of fasteners is disadvantageous because due to the material used hair tends to get tangled with the loop and cause damage to hair. Removal of such hair fasteners after use is thus challenging. An improvement has existed to provide a layer of fabric over the elastic loop before closing the loop. However, such improved hair fasteners, among other disadvantages, tend to break easily at where the loop closes.

The present invention seeks to address this problem, or at least to provide an alternative to the public.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hair fastener comprising an elastic band defining circumferential surface along a length of the elongate band and with opposite ends defining end surfaces positioned adjacent each other thus in the form of a closed loop, a first coupler for fixedly connecting the opposite ends together, a layer of fabric enveloping said elastic band, and a second coupler for connecting the opposite ends, wherein the first coupler is an adhesive for gluing the opposite ends together at the end surfaces but without substantially increasing circumferential width or diameter of the elastic band at the opposite ends, wherein region of the first coupler is molded over by material of the second coupler, and wherein the second coupler is made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) fixedly molded over on the fabric layer. Such a hair fastener is technically advantageous in a multifold manner. First, the use of glue instead of, for example a rigid or metallic connector minimize the risk that the connector would puncture the second coupler or the outer sleeve. Second, the use of glue is preferable because even when it is dried the glue would not substantially increase the rigidity of the region of the end surfaces such that the entire hair fastener can still possess a continuous and consistent degree of flexibility along its circumferential length. Third, the second coupler fixedly molded over the fabric layer can increase the durability of the integrity of the hair fastener despite when used under repeated tensions. Fourth, the use of TPE enhance interaction of an entire outwardly facing surface of the hair fastener.

Preferably, the elastic band may be made from a material selected from a group including natural rubber, silicone thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and polyester-polyurethane copolymer elastane.

Suitably, the adhesive may be a glue selected from a cyanoacrylate family.

In an embodiment, the fabric may be made of nylon, polyester, polypropylene or a combination thereof, and knitted or otherwise formed over said elastic band.

In other embodiments, the elastic band at the first and second connectors has a pull strength of at least 4 Kg, or 4-15 Kg, or more preferably 10-15 Kg.

The fastener may be free of clip, crimp or clamp for connecting the opposite ends together.

The second coupler may be substantially free of silicon rubber, rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Surface of the coupler may be configured with an anti-slipping characteristics for enhancing grip of surrounding hair.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacture of a hair fastener as described above, comprising a step of encasing the opposite ends of the elastic band.

According to third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacture of a hair fastener, comprising steps in the sequence of:

-   -   providing an elongate elastic band with an extended length;     -   forming a jacket made of a fabric along essentially an entire         length over the elastic band;     -   cutting the elastic band covered with the jacket into sections,         each section with a desired length and opposite ends, thus         producing a plurality of fabric-covered elastic band sections;     -   connecting the opposite ends of each elastic band section with a         first coupler such that each elastic band section becomes a         loop;     -   optionally completing formation of the fabric jacket over an         entire length the loop; and     -   providing a second coupler fixedly molded over the connected         opposite ends or the first coupler;     -   wherein the first coupler is an adhesive for gluing the opposite         ends of each of the elastic band section together at end         surfaces thereof but without substantially increasing         circumferential width or diameter of the elastic band section at         the opposite ends; and     -   wherein the second coupler is made of thermoplastic elastomer         (TPE).

Preferably, the elastic band may be made of natural rubber, silicone, TPE, or polyester-polyurethane copolymer elastane.

Suitably, the jacket may be made of a nylon, polyester, polypropylene or a combination thereof, knitted or otherwise formed over the elastic band.

Advantageously, the adhesive may be selected from a cyanoacrylate family.

The second connector may be substantially free of silicon rubber, rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The elastic band at the first and second connectors may have a pull strength of at least 4 Kg, preferably 4-15 Kg, and more preferably 0-15 Kg.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be explained, with reference to the accompanied drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing showing a user wearing a conventional hair fastener;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the hair fastener of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hair fastener of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an elongate elastic member with a layer of fabric being knitted over in accordance with an embodiment of a method of manufacture of a hair fastener of the present invention;

FIGS. 5, 6 a, 6 b and 6 c are schematic views showing steps involved in closing of the elastic member of the fastener of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration showing encasing of a connecting region of the fastener from FIG. 6 c;

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are perspective and side views of the fasteners from FIG. 7 after processing; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the fastener of FIG. 10 worn by a user.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a prior art hair fastener 2. Such fasteners are typically formed by providing an elongate elastic member with opposite ends 6, 8. A layer of fabric 10 is provided to cover the elastic member. The opposite ends are connected together by a metal crimp 12 on top of the layer of fabric.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a hair fastener 22 of the present invention. FIGS. 8-9 are schematic views showing an interior structure of a connecting region of the fastener 22. The hair fastener 22 is firstly illustrated by way of its method of manufacture as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7.

FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrate an embodiment of a method of manufacture of a hair fastener 22 according to the present invention. FIG. 4 shows initial steps in which an elongate elastic band 24 is provided. In this embodiment, the elastic band 24 is made of a high elasticity material such as natural rubber, silicone, TPE, polyester-polyurethane copolymer elastane, etc., and has a rectangular or square cross section. It is to be noted that the elastic band has open ends 26, 28. In this embodiment, the elastic band 24 has cross section of a square shape. However, in other embodiments cross sections of other profiles may be used. In an alternative embodiment, more than one elastic band may be used. In other words, in such embodiment there is provided multiple strands of elastic band in a single hair fastener.

After provision of the elongate elastic band 24, a step is performed by knitting a layer of fabric 30 over a majority length or essentially an entire length of the open-ended elastic band. In this embodiment, the fabric 30 used is made of essentially nylon although studies leading to the present invention identifies that the fabric may be made of polyester, polypropylene or a combination thereof. Nylon is one preferred material because fabric formed therefrom possesses appropriate degree of smoothness which is particularly suitable in this application. In this step, the knitting is initially performed with the opposite ends still being un-connected yet. As the knitting is almost being completed such that the majority of the surface of the elastic band is covered, it is cut into the desired sections for subsequently forming closed loops. Regardless of the profile of the elastic band 24, each elastic band section has end surfaces defined by open ends still designated 26, 28 and circumferential surface along an elongate length of the elastic band 24. Please see FIG. 5.

The opposite ends of the sections of the elastic band are then connected together by positioning the opposite ends adjacent each other and joining them by an adhesive. The adhesive itself forms a first coupler 32. In this embodiment, the adhesive used is generally known as or contains a glue in the cyanoacrylate family. It is to be noted that no metallic clip or crimp is used in the connection of the opposite ends 26, 28. This is advantageous because upon repeated stretching the use of metal crimps would actually induce breakage at the opposite ends 26, 28. In other words, embodiments of fasteners in accordance with the present invention is advantageous in at least a two-fold manner. First, they can reduce breakage of hair when they are removed or unfastened from hair. Second, in the absence of the metallic clip or crimp breakage at the region of the opposite ends is much reduced. It is also to be appreciated that the use of the adhesive can avoid the use of rigid or metallic component which would substantially increase the width or diameter of region at the first coupler.

When an elastic loop of a desired size is formed by joining opposite ends 26, 28, it is subjected to a step of overmoulding a second coupler 34 over region of the connected opposite ends 26, 28 at the first coupler 32. The second coupler 34 is formed by injection moulding thermoplastic elastomer. In this embodiment, the second coupler 34 is elongate in shape resembling a bead and molded over the region of the nylon fabric layer covering the connected opposite ends. The second coupler acts as an envelope protecting this region and enhance connection of the opposite ends. The second coupler is made with a material with higher frictional surface. Due to the higher frictional surface of the second coupler material, it also enhances the fasteners to grip on the hair being tight and thus to increase its gripping capability. In other embodiments, the second coupler may adopt the configuration of a decorative item.

FIG. 11 shows the hair fastener 22 worn on a user.

Hair fasteners made in accordance with the present invention are advantageous in a number of ways. First, the use of dual connection, i.e. adhesion by adhesive of the opposite ends and connection by coupler at the opposite ends over the nylon fabric significantly improve repeated tension of the hair fastener. Studies show that such hair fasteners have a pull strength at the region of the coupler of over 4 Kg, and often >4 Kg to 15 Kg, or even >10 Kg to 15 Kg. Second, the use of the second coupler made of TPE is advantageous because this particular material can provide contact comfort which is not possible when using for example natural rubber. Further, optionally, without the use of metallic crimp or clip in connecting the opposite ends of the elastic band, the drawback of the opposite ends actually torn apart by the crimp or clip is prevented. The possibility of an exposed metallic clip tearing off user's hair in use is also prevented.

It should be understood that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the content of separate embodiments, may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the content of a single embodiment, may be provided separately or in any appropriate sub-combinations. It is to be noted that certain features of the embodiments are illustrated by way of non-limiting examples. Also, a skilled person in the art will be aware of the prior art which is not explained in the above for brevity purpose. 

1. A hair fastener comprising an elastic band defining circumferential surface along a length of said elongate band and with opposite ends defining end surfaces positioned adjacent each other thus in the form of a closed loop, a first coupler for fixedly connecting said opposite ends together, a layer of fabric enveloping said elastic band, and a second coupler for connecting said opposite ends, wherein said first coupler is an adhesive for gluing said opposite ends together at the end surfaces but without substantially increasing circumferential width or diameter of said elastic band at said opposite ends, wherein region of said first coupler is molded over by material of said second coupler, and wherein said second coupler is made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) fixedly molded over on said fabric layer.
 2. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elastic band is made from a material selected from a group including natural rubber, silicone thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and polyester-polyurethane copolymer elastane.
 3. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adhesive is a glue selected from a cyanoacrylate family.
 4. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fabric is made of nylon, polyester, polypropylene or a combination thereof, and knitted or otherwise formed over said elastic band.
 5. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elastic band at said first and second connectors has a pull strength of at least 4 Kg.
 6. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 5, wherein said elastic band at said first and second connectors has a pull strength of 4-15 Kg.
 7. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 6, wherein said elastic band at said first and second connectors has a pull strength of 10-15 Kg.
 8. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fastener is free of clip, crimp or clamp for connecting said opposite ends together.
 9. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second coupler is substantially free of silicon rubber, rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
 10. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein surface of said coupler is configured with an anti-slipping characteristics for enhancing grip of surrounding hair.
 11. A method of manufacture of a hair fastener as claimed in claim 1, comprising a step of encasing said opposite ends of said elastic band.
 12. A method of manufacture of a hair fastener, comprising steps in the sequence of: providing an elongate elastic band with an extended length; forming a jacket made of a fabric along essentially an entire length over the elastic band; cutting the elastic band covered with the jacket into sections, each section with a desired length and opposite ends, thus producing a plurality of fabric-covered elastic band sections; connecting the opposite ends of each elastic band section with a first coupler such that each elastic band section becomes a loop; optionally completing formation of the fabric jacket over an entire length the loop; and providing a second coupler fixedly molded over the connected opposite ends or the first coupler; wherein the first coupler is an adhesive for gluing the opposite ends of each said elastic band section together at end surfaces thereof but without substantially increasing circumferential width or diameter of the elastic band section at the opposite ends; and wherein the second coupler is made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
 13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the elastic band is made of natural rubber, silicone, TPE, or polyester-polyurethane copolymer elastane.
 14. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the jacket is made of a nylon, polyester, polypropylene or a combination thereof, knitted or otherwise formed over said elastic band.
 15. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the adhesive is selected from a cyanoacrylate family.
 16. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second connector is substantially free of silicon rubber, rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
 17. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the elastic band at the first and second connectors has a pull strength of at least 4 Kg, preferably 4-15 Kg, and more preferably 0-15 Kg. 